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February 4, 2012

Man chronicles spiritual journey

Brian Meagher lead a men's retreat this month

BY JODEE TAYLOR jtaylor@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — When Brian Meagher needs help, he turns to nature.

Meagher, a substitute teacher, husband and father of two girls, has chronicled his 21-year journey in "The Wilderness, The Wild Man and The Wound."

He will also be leading a men's retreat Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Starwood Ranch in Kalkaska County. The retreat, scheduled for 2-9 p.m., costs $55 per person. Advance registration is required; go to www.brianchristianmeagher.com.

Meagher, who grew up in Colorado, had a "conversion experience" when he was 24. He was already a fan of the outdoors and felt he could get closer to God if he immersed himself in nature. He said goodbye to his family and set out to the Pacific Northwest.

"All men need a wilderness where they are stripped bare and tested," said Meagher, 52.

Within six weeks, he met Kathryn, who eventually became his wife.

In subsequent months and years, he still returned to the wilderness, including a 40-day trek to the desert, 24 of those without food. He writes about his frustration and discouragement, about not understanding what God wanted from him. While hitchhiking, he was picked up by a Navajo man who Meagher said spoke to his core.

"Faith is when you get on your knees and pray," the man told Meagher. "And whether you feel God's power or not you get up. And you do the right thing. Do you understand me? You get up! That is faith."

"I came out exhilarated," Meagher said. "And skinny."

Meagher says he wants to help men deal with their "wounds," things they might not even realize are affecting them but that may have been with them since childhood.

For more information, or to download the book for $9.90, go to Meagher's website, www.brianchristianmeagher.com.

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